Archive for June, 2009

Redefining Generosity

By J.R., 23 June, 2009, 2 Comments

I read an interesting blog post that I thought was encouraging on one hand and an indictment on the other.

America’s poor donate more, in percentage terms, than higher-income groups do, surveys of charitable giving show. What’s more, their generosity declines less in hard times than the generosity of richer givers does. “The lowest-income fifth (of the population) always give at more than their capacity,” said Virginia Hodgkinson, former vice president for research at Independent Sector, a Washington-based association of major nonprofit agencies. “The next two-fifths give at capacity, and those above that are capable of giving two or three times more than they give.”

givingbythepoor

Since giving is an issue of trust – I wonder how trustful and trustworthy you and I really are?

Already knew that…

By J.R., 22 June, 2009, No Comment

A mentor of mine sent me a book recently that I can’t seem to put down.  Tons of great insight from a Pastor named Wayne Cordeiro who leads New Hope Christian Fellowship – a great church in Honolulu.  Here is something he wrote that resonated with me…

Knowing the remedy doesn’t necessarily complete the healing; the difference comes when we apply it.  Reading the menu doesn’t fill you up; eating the food does.

How true is that!  Knowing the solution is NOT enough.  Proper execution comes with correct application.  Most of the issues in my life haven’t arisen because of a lack of knowledge – they have sprung up because of improper execution.

It’s great to know the right thing to do but doing it is even better!

What decision has been sitting on the shelf?  What will it take to move you to action?

Rebel

By J.R., 19 June, 2009, No Comment

Rebel

Men don’t like going to church on Father’s Day.  Who would?  On Father’s Day, pastors usually take the opportunity to talk about how horrible of a dad they perceive you to be.

Not this year.  Not any year, but that’s another story.

Whatever you have to do – get people to Freedom Church on Sunday.  It’s Father’s Day – Freedom Style.

I am a dad and I can’t wait!

Give It Up!

By J.R., 18 June, 2009, No Comment

I was going to save this quote til my birthday in about 5 weeks, but thought I would throw it out there a little early.

Now more than ever i am aware that a person’s significant birthdays can either mark the passage of time, or they can mark changes they’ve made in their lives to reach their potential and become the person they were created to be.  With each passing year, I want to make good choices that make me a better person, help me become a better leader, and make a positive impact on others.  That requires a willingness to keep making trades, because for everything you gain, you have to give up something. -  John Maxwell

In order to move on to bigger and better things tomorrow – you will have to let go of some of the things that you are doing today.  Pretty self-explanatory – you have to give up to go up.

What will be the most difficult “trade” for you to make?  Is it worth it?

MidWeek Review

By J.R., 17 June, 2009, No Comment
  • We had a GREAT day on Sunday!
  • I had the privilege of baptizing my oldest daughter!  Can’t explain how awesome that felt!
  • Also had the privilege to baptize a bunch of other people!  38 in all!
  • Get people here for Fathers Day!  Trust me!
  • God is doing great things at Freedom!  I am grateful to be part of it!
  • I booked a cruise for Devin and I.   We needed a real deal vacation this year as the past 18 months have been a whirlwind of activity.
  • This will be our 5th cruise and no we are not bringing the kids :)
  • The partners at Freedom are unreal.  Pulling off what we pull off every week in a portable setting isn’t easy.  I couldn’t ask for better people.  Seriously.
  • Sunday was our 2nd largest day in our history – more than 250 more people than this time last year.
  • The more I learn the more I realize that I do not know.  I use to know so much more than I do right now :)
  • I am learning what fills and drains me.  Leading on Empty was a great book and I am grateful that Perry sent it my direction.
  • Gratitude has been a recurring theme throughout this post.
  • Don’t allow the opportunity you have on Sunday to pass you by!  Get your dad and other random people to church on Sunday!  YOU DO NOT want to miss this!  Typically, dads hate going to church on Fathers Day.  Get them to Freedom this week and they will beg you to bring them back.  Promise!
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